Systems, methods and apparatus of a holder for portable electromagnetic energy detectors

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which a holder of a portable electromagnetic energy detector has a base and a pocket. The pocket is fixedly attached to the base and in some embodiments is not greater in height than a border area of the portable electromagnetic energy detector.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to packaging of electromagnetic energy detectors, and more particularly to stands for electromagnetic detectors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In medical X-Ray clinics, X-Ray personnel have significant demands on their time and productivity. Portable X-Ray detectors assist the X-Ray personnel in responding to the increasing challenges presented by cost-constraints and new medical imaging techniques by allowing the detector to be more quickly and easily placed into a wide variety of positions and angles. Portable X-Ray detectors are manufactured in both digital and film-based embodiments.

In some medical imaging techniques, such as in cross-table X-Ray imaging of a patient, the portable X-Ray detector is placed in a vertical position on a side of the patient. The portable X-Ray detector, having a generally planar shape, is balanced on a narrower edge of the planer shape, similar to balancing a book on its binding.

Maintaining a stationary position of the portable X-Ray detector during imaging is very important in order to obtain a crisp and distinct image of the patient. A stable position is also important in order to prevent a fall of the expensive portable X-ray detector to the floor of the imaging examination room. One conventional method of stabilizing the position of the portable X-Ray detector includes taping the portable X-Ray detector to the table upon which the patient and the portable X-Ray detector both lie. However, applying the tape while holding the portable X-Ray detector is fairly time-consuming. The time to apply the tape is often unacceptable in clinical applications where time is crucial in the quality of healthcare, such as in emergency rooms and operating rooms. Moreover, due to U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations and for general reasons of medical hygiene, the tape must be replaced for each patient who is imaged, thereby multiplying the application time by each imaged patient.

Another conventional method of stabilizing the position of the portable X-Ray detector includes placing the portable X-Ray detector in a stand and thereafter the stand is placed on the imaging table. The conventional stand includes a base and a large vertical support area, the base and the large vertical support area being juxtaposed at an angle of about 90 degrees. The cumbersome “L” shape of the stand renders the stand awkward to store, particularly in a medical supply cart, and ungainly to maneuver quickly in an emergency situation. The large vertical support area includes a bracket that holds the portable X-Ray detector in a vertical position along and adjacent to the large vertical support area. The bracket is mounted directly to the vertical support area.

The base of the conventional stand can be placed under the patient or another heavy object, the weight of the patient or the object thereby providing a force to oppose movement-of the large vertical support area, and thereby providing a force to oppose movement of the portable X-Ray detector that is held in place by the large vertical support area. However, the base of the stand and the large vertical support area take up a fairly large area and space. The base is approximately 13″ (330 mm) wide and 9″ (230 mm) deep and the large vertical support area is approximately 13″ (330 mm) wide and 9″ (230 mm) tall. The bracket that is attached to one side of the vertical support area, provides a 1″ (25 mm) gap to hold a film imaging cassette. The total size of the bracket is about 1″×1″ (25 mm×25 mm). The large shape of the stand renders the stand awkward to store, particularly in a medical supply cart, and ungainly to maneuver quickly in an emergency situation.

For the reasons stated above, and for other reasons stated below which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for a means to stabilize the position of the portable X-Ray detector during cross-table X-Ray imaging of a patient that is not cumbersome and ungainly to store and/or setup in time-pressured situations, and yet is easily cleaned for reuse with another patient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The above-mentioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems are addressed herein, which will be understood by reading and studying the following specification.

In one aspect, an apparatus includes a pocket fixed to a base. The base is placed under the patient so that the patient“s weight provides a counter balance to a weight of a portable X-ray detector placed in the pocket to better resist tipping when side loads are applied to the portable X-ray detector. The apparatus is compact and thus easy to move, store and clean.

In another aspect, an apparatus to stabilize a position of a second apparatus consists of a base and a pocket having a height that is less than or equal to a border area of the portable X-Ray detector.

In yet another aspect, a method to form a portable X-Ray detector stand includes bending a flat sheet metal to form a portion of a pocket and bending the flat sheet metal to further form the pocket.

Apparatus, systems, and methods of varying scope are described herein. In addition to the aspects and advantages described in this summary, further aspects and advantages will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by reading the detailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram that provides a cross section overview of a system to stabilize a position of an item;

FIG. 2 is an isometric diagram of apparatus according to an embodiment having a segmented pocket on a top side of the base;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged diagram of the pocket of the apparatus in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross section side view diagram of a pocket according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a top view diagram of a pocket according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a top view diagram of an apparatus stand; and

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method of manufacturing a stand for a portable X-Ray detector according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments which may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, electrical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

The detailed description is divided into four sections. In the first section, a system level overview is described. In the second section, apparatus of embodiments are described. In the third section, methods of embodiments are described. Finally, in the fourth section, a conclusion of the detailed description is provided.

System Level Overview

FIG. 1 is a block diagram that provides a cross section overview of a system to stabilize a position of an item. System 100 solves the need in the art for a means to stabilize the position of the portable X-Ray detector during cross-table X-Ray imaging of a patient that is not cumbersome and ungainly to store and/or setup in time-pressured situations, and yet is easily cleaned for reuse with another patient.

System 100 includes a base 102 attached to a pocket 104. The pocket 104 is operable to receive the item (not shown). The pocket 104 includes members that restrict motion of the item in all but two of six 106, 108, 110, 112, 114 and 116 rectangular directions. One direction 106 in which motion is not restricted is a direction from which the item is received into the pocket. The direction 106 from which the item is received is often referred to as an entry direction. The pocket 104 is also known as a pocket channel or a channel.

When system 100 is oriented with the entry direction 104 opposite from the direction of gravity in which direction 112 also represents gravity, the force of gravity will hold an item in the pocket 106. The force of gravity holding the item stabilizes the position of the item.

When the system 100 is used in medical X-ray applications, a portable X-ray detector is placed in the pocket 104, and the base 102 is placed on an X-ray imaging table and under the patient. The weight of the patient holds the system in place, thus stabilizing the portable X-ray detector during cross-table imaging using the portable X-Ray detector. Therefore, system 100 stabilizes the position of the portable X-Ray detector during cross-table X-Ray imaging of a patient.

In addition, system 100 is compact with no extensive protrusions. As a result, system 100 satisfies the need in the art for a system that is not cumbersome and ungainly to store and/or setup in time-pressured situations. In addition, system 100 has flat surfaces that are easily cleaned for reuse with another patient.

System 100 can be manufactured with any conventional material, such as metals including steel and/or aluminum and plastics such as ABS, polystyrene, polypropylene, lexan and/or polycarbonate. While the system 100 is not limited to any particular base 102, pocket 104, and directions 106, 108, 110, 112, 114 and 116, for sake of clarity a simplified base 102, pocket 104, and directions 106, 108, 110, 112, 114 and 116 are described.

Apparatus Embodiments

In the previous section, a system level overview of the operation of an embodiment was described. In this section, particular apparatus of embodiments are described by reference to a series of diagrams.

FIG. 2 is an isometric diagram of apparatus 200 according to an embodiment having a segmented pocket on a top side of the base. Apparatus 200 solves the need in the art to stabilize the position of a portable X-Ray detector by an apparatus that is compact for easy storage and placement, and easy to clean.

Apparatus 200 includes a base 102 attached to a pocket 104. In apparatus 200, the base is made of aluminum of 1 mm thickness weighing approximately 0.5 lbs. In apparatus 200, the pocket 104 has a different shape and construction than the pocket in 102 of system 100 in FIG. 1. In one difference, the pocket 104 in FIG. 2 is on the top side 202 of the base 102, while in FIG. 1, the pocket 104 fixed directly to another side of the base 102. In another difference between the pocket 104 of system 100 and apparatus 200, the lower surface of the pocket 104 in apparatus 200 is a portion 204 of the top side 202 of the base, while in system 100, the pocket 104 has a lower surface that is a portion of the pocket that is not a shared surface with the base 102.

Furthermore, the pocket 104 is a segmented enclosure. The walls of the pocket 104 are not completely enclosed. In this embodiment, a portion of the pocket 104 partially circumscribes a portable X-Ray detector (not shown) that is placed in the pocket 104. In particular, one side of the pocket 104 is completely open in order to allow a portion of portable X-Ray detector that is placed in the pocket 104 to extend out through that side. A substantial and sufficient portion of the portable X-Ray detector can be firmly held, yet apparatus 200 does not need to be as wide as the portable X-Ray detector is long.

In other embodiments not specifically shown, the pocket 104 is completely enclosed with no gaps in between segments of the pocket 104, in which the pocket 104 completely circumscribes.

In one aspect of apparatus 200, the center of gravity is such that apparatus 200 is resistant to tipping over when no portable X-Ray detector is placed in the pocket 104 and, most notably, when a portable X-Ray detector is placed in the pocket 104.

Apparatus 200 is compact with no extensive protrusions. As a result, apparatus 200 satisfies the need in the art for an apparatus that is not cumbersome and ungainly to store and/or setup in time-pressured situations. In addition, apparatus 200 has flat surfaces that are easily cleaned for reuse before use with another patient.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged diagram 300 of the pocket 104 of the apparatus in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 describes in further detail how some aspects of apparatus 200 in FIG. 2 provide an apparatus that is easily moved and positioned, and yet is easily cleaned for reuse with another patient.

In apparatus 300, the pocket 104 includes three walls 302, 304 and 306. In some embodiments, the walls 302 and 304 are referred to as tabs, each tab having a height of approximately 20 mm. The 20 mm height of the tabs is equal to or less than the border area of the portable X-Ray detector when the portable X-Ray detector is placed in the pocket 104. The border area is the distance from the edge of the portable X-Ray detector to the first active pixel of the receptor area of the portable X-Ray detector. The 20 mm height is outside the active area of the portable X-Ray detector; the 20 mm height of the tabs do not extend into the active area of the portable X-Ray detector. The 20 mm height is less than or equal to the distance from the edge of the portable X-Ray detector that would be placed in the pocket 104 to the first active pixel of the receptor area of the portable X-Ray detector. The formation of the walls is described below in FIG. 7.

The walls are separated by gaps 308, 310 and 312. The gaps 308, 310 and 312 provide a lighter weight to the pocket 104, which is less cumbersome and less ungainly to move, yet reduces the amount of surface area that is to cleaned, which in turn provides easier cleaning.

FIG. 4 is a cross section side view diagram 400 of a pocket 104 according to an embodiment. Pocket 104 has an interior depth 402 of approximately 60 mm, an interior width 404 of approximately 35 mm and a wall thickness 406 of approximately 0.8 mm.

In some embodiments, the pocket 104 is of sufficient width and height to securely hold the detector on its narrow edge with a scatter grid attached to the portable X-Ray detector. In some embodiments, the pocket 104 is of sufficient width and height to securely hold the detector on its narrow edge without a scatter grid attached to the portable X-Ray detector. In general, the pocket 104 has an interior width 404 that is more than an exterior width of the portable X-Ray detector or other apparatus (not shown) that fits in the pocket 104. Furthermore, the interior width 404 is less than a sum of the exterior width of the second apparatus (not shown) and a certain percentage of the interior depth 402 of the pocket 104, that renders a tilting motion of the second apparatus while placed in the pocket 104 at no more than the certain percentage. For example, if the interior width 404 is 60 mm, the exterior width of the second apparatus is 58 mm, when the second apparatus is fully placed in the pocket 104, the second apparatus will tilt no more than (58-60)/60, which is 3.70 degrees.

FIG. 5 is a top view diagram 500 of a pocket 104 according to an embodiment. A first wall 502 has a length 504 of approximately 110 mm. A second wall 506 a length 508 of approximately 50 mm and is positioned 510 approximately 210 mm from the furthest point away from the first wall 506. Thus, the gap 312 between the first wall 502 and the second wall 506 is approximately 100 mm.

The gap 310 between the second wall 506 and a third wall 512 is approximately 100 mm. The length 514 of the third wall 512 is approximately 50 mm. The dimensions of pocket 104 in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are particularly well suited for a conventionally sized portable digital X-Ray detector.

FIG. 6 is a top view diagram of an apparatus stand 600. Apparatus stand 600 solves the need in the art to stabilize the position of a portable X-Ray detector during cross-table X-Ray imaging of a patient.

Apparatus stand 600 is a sheet of formable material, such as aluminum, from which a stand such as apparatus 200 and apparatus 500 can be formed. Dotted lines in FIG. 6 show lines at which the material is bent.

A main portion 602 of apparatus stand 600 has a length 604 of approximately 470 mm and a width 606 of approximately 460 mm. An extended portion 608 of apparatus stand 600 has length 610 of approximately 145 mm and width 612 of approximately 60 mm. Extended portion 608 has a first bending line 614 a distance 616 that is approximately 110 mm from the end of the portion 608 and second bending line 618 a distance 620 that is approximately 35 mm from the first bending line 614. The main portion 602 also includes a third bending line 622 that is a distance 612 approximately 60 mm from an edge of the portion 602.

Apparatus stand 600 also includes cutting lines 624 and 626 which are made to form cutouts 628 and 630 to form walls 506 and 512. In some embodiments, apparatus stand 600 also includes corners 632 and 634 that are rounded with a 25 mm radius (not shown). Method 700 below describes one method of how apparatus stand 600 can be further manufactured from metal to form apparatus 200 and/or apparatus 500. System 100 and apparatus 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 may be manufactured from plastic using any conventional technique such as injection molding technique.

The overall dimensions of the apparatus stand 600 fit in the detector compartment of a mobile X-Ray source so that apparatus stand 600 can travel with the detector—thus increasing its convenience and likelihood of use of apparatus stand 600.

Methods of an Embodiment

In the previous section, apparatus of the operation of an embodiment was described. In this section, the particular methods of such an embodiment are described by reference to a series of flowcharts.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method 700 of manufacturing a stand for a portable X-Ray detector according to an embodiment. Method 700 describes one method of forming apparatus 200 and/or apparatus 500 from apparatus stand 600.

In this method, the stand is manufactured from a flat sheet of metal, such as apparatus stand 600 in FIG. 6 above. Method 700 includes bending 702 apparatus stand 600 at a first bending line 614 at approximately 90 degrees. Method 700 includes bending 704 apparatus stand 600 at a second bending line 618 at approximately 90 degrees. Method 700 includes bending 706 apparatus stand 600 at a third bending line 622 at approximately 90 degrees. Method 600 also includes bending 708 cutout 628 to form wall 512. Method 600 also includes bending 710 cutout 630 to form wall 506. The order of the bending actions 702, 704, 706, 708 and 710 can be performed in any order.

In some embodiments, method 700 thereafter includes welding 712 the bent extended portion 608 to the main portion 602 and/or applying 714 Teflon tape to the wall 506 and 512. Performing method 700 on apparatus stand 600 can yield apparatus 200 and/or 500 that is operable to stabilize the position of a portable X-Ray detector during cross-table X-Ray imaging of a patient by an apparatus that is not cumbersome and ungainly to store and/or setup in time-pressured situations, and yet is easily cleaned for reuse with another patient.

Conclusion

A portable X-Ray detector stand is described. The portable X-Ray detector stand provides more secure positioning of the portable X-Ray detector and therefore reduces the risk of the portable X-Ray detector falling to the floor. The portable X-Ray detector stand also provides faster setup which is especially valuable for emergency room and medical operating room applications. The portable X-Ray detector stand further provides cleaner and easier setup because the portable X-Ray detector stand can be cleaned between patients, unlike a roll of tape.

Although specific embodiments are illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that implementations can be made in many shapes and materials that provide the required function.

In particular, one of skill in the art will readily appreciate that the names of the methods and apparatus are not intended to limit embodiments. Furthermore, additional methods and apparatus can be added to the components, functions can be rearranged among the components, and new components to correspond to future enhancements and physical devices used in embodiments can be introduced without departing from the scope of embodiments. One of skill in the art will readily recognize that embodiments are applicable to future portable X-Ray detectors. The terminology used in this application is meant to include all environments and alternate technologies which provide the same functionality as described herein. 

1. An apparatus to stabilize a position of a second apparatus comprising: a base; and a pocket to receive the second apparatus, the pocket further fixedly attached to the base.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pocket further comprises a height, the pocket further having an interior width that is more than the exterior depth of the second apparatus and less than a sum of the exterior depth of the second apparatus and certain percentage of the height of the pocket, that renders a tilting motion of the second apparatus while placed in the pocket at no more than the certain percentage.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pocket further comprises a height that is not greater than the distance between the edge of the second apparatus and an active area of the second apparatus.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pocket further comprises a height that is not greater than 60 mm.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pocket further comprises a segmented enclosure.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pocket further comprises three walls, wherein the walls of the pocket are not completely enclosed.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the two of the walls comprise a height of not greater than 20 mm.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pocket further comprises a completely open side in order to allow a portion of the second apparatus that is placed in the pocket to extend out through the side.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pocket further comprises a width of about 35 mm.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second apparatus further comprises: a portable X-Ray detector, and the pocket further comprises dimensions to securely fit a side of the portable X-Ray detector in the pocket.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the portable X-Ray detector further comprises: a portable digital X-Ray detector.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the portable X-Ray detector further comprises: a portable film cassette X-Ray detector.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises: a length of approximately 470 mm.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises: a width of approximately 400 mm.
 15. An apparatus to stabilize a position of a second apparatus consisting of: a base having a length of about 470 mm and a width of about 400 mm; and a pocket fixedly attached directly to the base, having a width of about 35 mm and a height that is not greater than 60 mm.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the height further comprises a height that is not greater than 20 mm.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the pocket further comprises a segmented enclosure, and the segmented enclosure further comprises three walls, wherein the walls of the pocket are not completely enclosed, wherein the two of the walls comprise a height of not greater than 20 mm, wherein the segmented enclosure further comprises a completely open side in order to allow a portion of the second apparatus that is placed in the pocket to extend out through the side.
 18. A method to form a portable X-Ray detector stand comprising: bending a flat sheet metal to form a portion of pocket; and bending the flat sheet metal to further form the pocket.
 19. The method of claim 18, the method further comprising: welding the pocket to a portion of the flat sheet metal; and applying tape to the wall.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the pocket further comprises: a pocket having a width of about 35 mm and a height that is not greater than 60 mm. 